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September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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Sports Desk • Basketball

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is an American former professional basketball player widely regarded as one of the greatest in NBA history.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is an American former professional basketball player widely regarded as one of the greatest in NBA history. He played for the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers, won six NBA championships, and retired as the league's all-time leading scorer until LeBron James surpassed him in 2023.

What it is

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, born Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr. in New York City in 1947, is a retired NBA center known for his dominant career from 1969 to 1989. He changed his name after converting to Islam. Standing 7 ft 2 in, he played for the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers, winning six championships and six MVP awards.

Key details

Abdul-Jabbar is famous for his signature skyhook shot, a high-release hook that was nearly impossible to block. He finished his career with 38,387 points, then the NBA scoring record, along with 17,440 rebounds and 5,660 assists. His six MVP awards and six championships place him among the most decorated players in league history.

Why it matters

Abdul-Jabbar's legacy extends beyond basketball: he became an author and public commentator, and his skyhook remains an iconic part of the sport. Canadian fans follow his career as a defining figure in global basketball history, alongside players like Michael Jordan and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

In short

  • Won six NBA championships and six MVP awards.
  • Retired with 38,387 career points, the league record until 2023.
  • Known for the skyhook, a signature shot that was nearly unblockable.
  • Changed his name from Lew Alcindor after converting to Islam.
Canadian angle

Canadian fans know Abdul-Jabbar as one of the defining figures in basketball history, and his records, championships, and signature skyhook are part of the sport's global legacy followed in Canada.

Quick questions

Who is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar?
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is an American former professional basketball player, best known for his NBA career with the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers and for winning six championships.
How tall is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar?
He is listed at 7 ft 2 in (2.18 m).
What is the skyhook move?
The skyhook is Abdul-Jabbar's signature hook shot, released with a high arc from one hand, making it very difficult to block.

Sources

  1. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Kareem-Abdul-Jabbar
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, height, NBA career, and skyhook description.
  2. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/summary/Kareem-Abdul-Jabbar
    Supports: Height, teams, championships, career points, and scoring record.
  3. NBA — https://www.nba.com/news/history-nba-legend-kareem-abdul-jabbar
    Supports: Six championships, six MVP awards, scoring record, and skyhook significance.
  4. Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame — https://www.hoophall.com/hall-of-famers/kareem-abdul-jabbar
    Supports: Skyhook description and six championships.
  5. Basketball-Reference — https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/a/abdulka01.html
    Supports: Career totals and championship count.
  6. CNN — https://www.cnn.com/us/kareem-abdul-jabbar-fast-facts
    Supports: Skyhook origin and six championships.